Today, Northwest Illinois CEO had the pleasure of welcoming Gary Devore, a Marine veteran and longtime friend of the WACC CEO program, who graciously stepped in on short notice to share his remarkable life journey with our students.

From his time in the Marines to his many career paths, working with young people, and traveling the world, Gary shared valuable lessons about leadership, relationships, perseverance, and experiencing different cultures and perspectives.

His message to our students was filled with practical advice: Be adaptable, find mentors, become a problem solver, surround yourself with positive people, and never stop learning. He emphasized that trust is earned, meaningful connections matter, and having a good partner in life can make all the difference.

A few messages especially stood out: “Connect before you correct,” “Be willing to get uncomfortable,” and “If you lose, don’t lose the lesson.”

Perhaps most importantly, Gary reminded us that success isn’t just about money or accomplishments, but about the relationships we build, the people we help, and the difference we make along the way.

Thank you, Gary, for sharing your experiences, wisdom, and genuine passion for helping young people. We truly appreciate your willingness to spend the morning with our CEO students!